Archive · 30 Jan 2026
Odisha HC Orders Land Return Consideration for Villagers
In Odisha, India, a court told the local leader to think about giving back land to villagers.
The villagers gave their land 15 years ago for a power plant, but the company couldn't build it.
The villagers want their land back because the company didn't keep its promises.
The court said the leader should listen to everyone and make a decision in one month.
The land is about 900 acres, and the villagers originally got ₹6 lakh per acre for it.
Odisha High Court directs the Dhenkanal district collector to consider returning 900 acres of land to villagers.
The land was given to a failed power project by Lanco 15 years ago for industrial development.
Villagers claim the land should be returned as the project failed and the company did not fulfill its commitments.
The court ordered the collector to consider the grievances and make a decision within one month.
The villagers originally received an average of ₹6 lakh per acre for their land.
- Who
- Villagers of Kharagprasad and Kurunti, Odapada Block, Dhenkanal district, Odisha
- What
- Odisha High Court directs the district collector to consider returning 900 acres of land to villagers after a failed power project
- When
- The decision was made on January 30, 2026, with a one-month timeframe for the collector to act
- Where
- Dhenkanal district, Odisha, India
- Why
- The villagers claim the land should be returned as the project failed and the company did not fulfill its commitments
- Location
- Dhenkanal district, Odisha, India
- Land Area
- 900 acres
- Company Involved
- Lanco
- Government Entity
- IDCO (Odisha government entity for land acquisition)
- Court
- Orissa High Court
- Judge
- Sashikanta Mishra
- Timeframe for Decision
- One month
- Average Land Price
- ₹6 lakh per acre